Alert: New U-17 coach John Hackworth videotaped Nowak spanking rookies, including minors

xbhaskarx · Jan 7, 2016

Philly.com: Spanking, dehydration and ignorance of concussions: New details about Peter Nowak's Union tenure

Hazing rookie players:

From the Union's filings

Claimant brought the Idea of spanking rookie players following training camps to the Philadelphia Union, as he had also spanked players when he was the head coach of DC United. Claimant admits that he participated in a practice following the training camps of 2010, 2011 and 2012 where players were spanked.

Claimant also admits that this practice included Claimant dipping his hand in ice water and then spanking the rookie players, sometimes choosing to hit the players with a sandal. Claimant further admits that [redacted] participated in the [redacted] training camp. At that time, Claimant physically spanked Mr. [redacted], who, again, was [redacted].

Importantly, Mr. Sakiewicz became aware of the "spanking" when he was shown a video of the ritual in [redacted].

[...]

Understanding this, as well as the fact that Claimant was actually physically hitting the rookie players - to the point that an ice bucket was needed to numb Claimant's hands - Mr. Sakiewicz, as soon as he and Claimant were alone, approached Claimant and told him that he did not want the "spanking" to happen again; he wanted Claimant to "cease doing it" immediately.

However, in March/April of [redacted], Sakiewicz found out that, contrary to his direct order to Claimant, the rookie hazing ritual - including the the spanking of a minor - had again taken place at the conclusion of training camp in February of [redacted]. In other words, Claimant ignored Mr. Sakiewicz's direct order for to cease "spanking" / hazing activities.
Click to expand...

From Nowak's filings

Mr. Nowak did not deny that rookie hazing took place during his tenure as manager of the Philadelphia Union, including joking, singing, dancing and paddling of rookie players. Mr. Nowak also testified that prior to engaging in this activity, he received pre-approval from former Philadelphia Union President Tom Veit and from Nick Sakiewicz.

He did not deny sticking his hand in an ice bucket between paddling. In fact, he indicated that a videotape was taken each year by his assistant coaches, John Hackworth and Rob Vartughian, in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He further testified that he was present when those videotapes were shown to Mr. Sakiewicz and others and that Mr. Sakiewicz loved it and never instructed him after to stop the rituals:

Q. Okay. And your testimony is that Nick Sakiewicz did not instruct you after 2010 not to conduct the slapping.

A. Absolutely not. He saw it with Richie Graham in the lobby in the hotel in Costa rica. Like in Crete in Greece, the sponsors were there from Colonial Marble. His wife was there with his son Nicholas, the youngest son. As I said there was an investor, new investor, Rich Graham in the lobby. John Hackworth or Rob Vartughian showed the videotape or whatever the recording. That was every year he was with us and he saw it, what was happening.

Former Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Diego Gutierrez, confirmed these facts, stating that he saw Nick Sakiewicz watch the video on a telephone and laughed. He further confirmed that Mr. Sakiewicz did not criticize anyone about the hazing.

Mr. Sakiewicz testified that in the 2011 pre-season he travelled to Greece with the Team and that he was shown a video of the hazing. When asked about his reaction, he testified that while he was internally upset, because there were a lot of people around, he just "absorbed it."

He further testified that he "told Piotr that this wasn't something that we should do as a team; that I didn't want it to be done again; that it's not exemplary of the team that aspires to be at one time America's most admired soccer brand. And we agreed to disagree."

It is difficult to comprehend how Mr. Sakiewicz, who clearly was Mr. Nowak's boss, allegedly knew that Mr. Nowak disagreed with him, yet took no further action to ensure that the conduct was not repeated in 2012.
Click to expand...

And yet Sakiewicz (who also recommended hiring this psychopath Nowak and gave him an absurd five year contract) remained employed by the Union for another three years after Nowak was fired.

Vartughian is still in MLS, an assistant coach for NYCFC.

And of course the other guy who was reportedly videotaping the spanking of rookies (including minors) was John Hackworth, who Philly promoted as Nowak's replacement, and was just hired by US Soccer as U-17 coach two weeks ago!

It will be interesting to see if both US Soccer and NYCFC continue to employ guys who videotaped minors getting spanked and then showed the videos around...

Hazing is bad enough already, but physically assaulting players is crossing the line, and authority figures spanking minors while videotaping it is so bizarre I wonder if criminal charges apply.

US Soccer really just entrusted a residency program for the best players in this country between the ages of 14-17 to John Hackworth, a guy who was videotaping minors getting spanked? Were the parents/guardians of these boys informed about this? If I was a parent I would demand he be fired immediately, or pull my kid out of Bradenton.

All four of these people would be lucky if the worst that happened to them was that they were never allowed near a soccer team again and avoided ending up on a sex offender registry.

Will any member of the media ask Klinsmann or Gulati to comment?

Brotheryoungbuck · Jan 7, 2016

This is actually pretty messed up, the guy shouldn't be in charge of kids.

xbhaskarx · Jan 7, 2016

Brotheryoungbuck said: ↑

This is actually pretty messed up, the guy shouldn't be in charge of kids.
Click to expand...

I see you're a DC United fan. Nowak did the exact same thing in DC, hazing rookies by spanking them... at some point that likely included a 14 year old Freddy Adu. This is an authority figure, in a professional work environment, and he very likely physically abused a 14 year old kid, in front of his co-workers, possibly videotaped and shown to others in the organization.
It's really not histrionics to bring up sex offender registries...

People have been making fun of Adu for the last decade and the kid probably never had a chance... hopefully he speaks up about this some day if he's comfortable doing that.

The relevant tweets:

Here is a section on Nowak hazing rookie players. It is a bit graphic. pic.twitter.com/t3Y21kXTPv
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

From Nowak's side, Nowak testified that Nick Sakiewicz pre-approved and subsequently condoned the hazing activity: pic.twitter.com/mqI6QxNDqD
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

This is interesting:

Item: pic.twitter.com/7A5YEGVVmd
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

As the players of the Philadelphia Union were "extremely afraid" of the potential "consequences" or "retaliation" if it became known that they participated in the League's investigation, the MLSPU asked the league to put a Confidentiality Agreement in place.

There was only one other instance in which the MLSPU asked the League to put in place a Confidentiality Agreement relative to a League investigation into misconduct -- that other instance involved Claimant during Claimant's tenure as the head coach of another MLS team, DC United.

What exactly did MLS investigate involving Nowak and DC United where the players were extremely afraid of retaliation and required a confidentiality agreement?

xbhaskarx · Jan 7, 2016

xbhaskarx said: ↑

Philly.com: Spanking, dehydration and ignorance of concussions: New details about Peter Nowak's Union tenure

Hazing rookie players:
Click to expand...

Oh and here is the Arbitrator's conclusion regarding the hazing:

Arbitrator's conclusion

Next, the hazing of rookies, by spanking them, sometimes with a sandal, was completely unacceptable. Mr. Nowak brought this practice to the Philadelphia Union. His description of what he did was quite unnerving, especially when he described how he put his hand In a bucket of ice water to ease his pain, obviously because he was hitting the young people so hard. In the [redacted] one of the rookies spanked [redacted].

I take notice of the fact that Mr. Sakiewlcz was made aware of the hazing, and could have done more to stop it. I nevertheless conclude that the Claimant was responsible for, participated in, and encouraged his veteran players to participate in this deplorable practice.
Click to expand...

Clint Eastwood · Jan 7, 2016

I think its pretty clear that if Hackworth was involved in this, then he should be absolutely nowhere near any USSF/MLS youth team again. And if the USSF knew about this and hired him anyway for their U17s, than those administrators need to lose their jobs as well.

Gorky · Jan 7, 2016

Clint Eastwood said: ↑

I think its pretty clear that if Hackworth was involved in this, then he should be absolutely nowhere near any USSF/MLS youth team again. And if the USSF knew about this and hired him anyway for their U17s, than those administrators need to lose their jobs as well.
Click to expand...

Well what about hiring Nowak for the U23s? And whatever role Bob Bradley played in that decision?

Clint Eastwood · Jan 7, 2016

Gorky said: ↑

Well what about hiring Nowak for the U23s? And whatever role Bob Bradley played in that decision?
Click to expand...

Did the USSF know about this when they hired Nowak for the U23s? That was a long time ago. 2007-2008ish.
Its possible they didn't due their homework. I just find it hard to believe that Bradley would be OK with Nowak as his assistant if he knew about it. Maybe I'm naive.

Golazo · Jan 7, 2016

Clint Eastwood said: ↑

I think its pretty clear that if Hackworth was involved in this, then he should be absolutely nowhere near any USSF/MLS youth team again. And if the USSF knew about this and hired him anyway for their U17s, than those administrators need to lose their jobs as well.
Click to expand...

Accountability at Soccer House?

That's the craziest thing you've talked about since you had a conversation with an empty chair.

SUDano · Jan 7, 2016

xbhaskarx said: ↑

It's really not histrionics to bring up sex offender registries...
Click to expand...

It is histrionic to bring this up as a sexual assault. What they did was wrong, Just like athletic hazing is wrong but do we always have to put an extreme spin on things to make them worse than they are. This isn't pedophilia.

AutoPenalti · Jan 7, 2016

As if the YNT situation couldn't get any worse...

SUDano · Jan 7, 2016

AutoPenalti said: ↑

As if the YNT situation couldn't get any worse...
Click to expand...

This could be the best thing that's happened to U17. Hackworth can't stay in his new position.

AutoPenalti · Jan 7, 2016

SUDano said: ↑

This could be the best thing that's happened to U17. Hackworth can't stay in his new position.
Click to expand...

He most likely won't be going anywhere.

SUDano · Jan 7, 2016

AutoPenalti said: ↑

He most likely won't be going anywhere.
Click to expand...

Really? What makes you think so. Now that this has gone public I just can't think he can stay as a youth national coach. He shouldn't lose his career but working with minors causes public optic issues. Wonder what the kids parents think that have accepted Bradenton invites.

dougtee · Jan 7, 2016

imagine having someone that has hit kids in charge of different kids a legal nightmare for the powers that be in chicago

soccerndo · Jan 7, 2016

SUDano said: ↑

Really? What makes you think so. Now that this has gone public I just can't think he can stay as a youth national coach. He shouldn't lose his career but working with minors causes public optic issues. Wonder what the kids parents think that have accepted Bradenton invites.
Click to expand...

He needs to do the federation a favor and tender his resignation.

xbhaskarx · Jan 7, 2016

Moreno on his time with the 2012 Philly Union:
Moreno: Nowak at the center of the Union's struggles

xbhaskarx · Jan 8, 2016

SUDano said: ↑

It is histrionic to bring this up as a sexual assault. What they did was wrong, Just like athletic hazing is wrong but do we always have to put an extreme spin on things to make them worse than they are. This isn't pedophilia.
Click to expand...

I didn't say it was sexual assault or pedophilia, I said it was possibly criminal behavior and that it wouldn't be histrionics to bring up sex offender registries.

People have been put on sex offender registries for urinating in public. An authority figure in a professional work environment spanking a minor while adult co-workers watch and videotape is orders of magnitude worse than that.

7 Surprising Things That Could Make You A Sex Offender

"3) Peeing in public. At least 13 states require sex offender registration for public urination"

FirstStar · Jan 8, 2016

As if we needed another reason to want to dump Hackworth . . . .

Anyway, I suspect USSF will not care. It's not like there's much media scrutiny. Hell, they'd probably go vote for Blatter again if they had an opportunity.

xbhaskarx · Jan 8, 2016

FirstStar said: ↑

Anyway, I suspect USSF will not care. It's not like there's much media scrutiny. Hell, they'd probably go vote for Blatter again if they had an opportunity.
Click to expand...

What are you talking about, they had the opportunity last time and voted for Prince Ali over Blatter:
Sunil Gulati: U.S. Soccer will vote for Prince Ali in FIFA election

U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said the federation will cast its vote for Prince Ali bin al-Hussein in Friday's FIFA presidential election. Gulati said he participated in interviews with three of the presidential candidates and noted the federation decided to back Prince Ali instead of incumbent president Sepp Blatter based on his commitment to reform FIFA from the inside.

SUDano · Jan 8, 2016

xbhaskarx said: ↑

I didn't say it was sexual assault or pedophilia, I said it was possibly criminal behavior and that it wouldn't be histrionics to bring up sex offender registries.

People have been put on sex offender registries for urinating in public. An authority figure in a professional work environment spanking a minor while adult co-workers watch and videotape is orders of magnitude worse than that.

7 Surprising Things That Could Make You A Sex Offender

"3) Peeing in public. At least 13 states require sex offender registration for public urination"
Click to expand...

I know what your saying. I personally don't think Peter Nowak did all this for personal satisfaction, its about abhorrent behavior and domination. Its Classic Sports Hazing. This isn't an office setting. Its wrong on so many levels I personally don't think its on a level for sexual predator status. I thought you were advocating for sexual registry rather than offering it as a possibility. Maybe you are. Your link is trying to show the absurdity of these laws gone too far, not as a thoughtful explanation of the good of these interpretations. Details matter. Your post reminded me of the ongoing joke in Horrible Bosses. 'You don't put a swingset next to a bar, that's entrapment.'

deejay · Jan 8, 2016

Very noticeable that MacMath defends the asst. coaches but leaves off Nowak.

685475454644531202 is not a valid tweet id

mschofield · Jan 8, 2016

xbhaskarx said: ↑

I see you're a DC United fan. Nowak did the exact same thing in DC, hazing rookies by spanking them... at some point that likely included a 14 year old Freddy Adu. This is an authority figure, in a professional work environment, and he very likely physically abused a 14 year old kid, in front of his co-workers, possibly videotaped and shown to others in the organization.
It's really not histrionics to bring up sex offender registries...

People have been making fun of Adu for the last decade and the kid probably never had a chance... hopefully he speaks up about this some day if he's comfortable doing that.

The relevant tweets:

Here is a section on Nowak hazing rookie players. It is a bit graphic. pic.twitter.com/t3Y21kXTPv
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

From Nowak's side, Nowak testified that Nick Sakiewicz pre-approved and subsequently condoned the hazing activity: pic.twitter.com/mqI6QxNDqD
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

This is interesting:

Item: pic.twitter.com/7A5YEGVVmd
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 6, 2016

As the players of the Philadelphia Union were "extremely afraid" of the potential "consequences" or "retaliation" if it became known that they participated in the League's investigation, the MLSPU asked the league to put a Confidentiality Agreement in place.

There was only one other instance in which the MLSPU asked the League to put in place a Confidentiality Agreement relative to a League investigation into misconduct -- that other instance involved Claimant during Claimant's tenure as the head coach of another MLS team, DC United.

What exactly did MLS investigate involving Nowak and DC United where the players were extremely afraid of retaliation and required a confidentiality agreement?
Click to expand...

Holy shit. Does it never occur to people who do twisted stuff like this that, once it gets out (and it always gets out eventually), they are through? Oh, and I really hope they're all through. WTF were they thinking? And why were they thinking this was a good idea?
Criminey, we had hazing on our college football team. As freshmen, we had to sing a song. I thought that was over the top (to be fair, it was the listeners who suffered).

jeff_adams · Jan 8, 2016

So Nowak and associates did this to Bobby Convey, Santino Quaranta and Freddy Adu when they were teenagers? A Psychiatrist would have a field day analyzing what happened to them....

xbhaskarx · Jan 8, 2016

jeff_adams said: ↑

So Nowak and associates did this to Bobby Convey, Santino Quaranta and Freddy Adu when they were teenagers? A Psychiatrist would have a field day analyzing what happened to them....
Click to expand...

News flash: hitting kids is bad

685630600607305728 is not a valid tweet id

And that's just the "physically abusing minors" part of this, don't forget the "concussions aren't real" part:

Stan Collins said: ↑

The bit about concussions reminded me that Bryan Namoff played under Nowak in DC. As did Josh Gros. And Alecko Eskandarian.
Click to expand...

SUDano · Jan 8, 2016

xbhaskarx said: ↑

News flash: hitting kids is bad

685630600607305728 is not a valid tweet id

And that's just the "physically abusing minors" part of this, don't forget the "concussions aren't real" part:
Click to expand...

A more nuanced analysis:
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/debate-over-spanking-short-science-high-emotion